Cotonou Travel Guide, Hotels & Things to Do

Where to stay

Hotels in Cotonou

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ROMO house

Rue Du Ceg Les Pylônes | Cotonou, BJ

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Magnifique Appartement - Cotonou - Avotrou Apkapka

691 Cotonou Apkapka Avotrou | Cotonou, BJ

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Appartement 2 chambres 1 salon à 15mn aéroport plage

Rue 2651 | Cotonou, 00000, BJ

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Résidence KPMG 2 Chambres Fidjrossè

1742 Fidjrossè Calvaire | Cotonou, BJ

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Résidence Raffinée-Pour une expérience unique

Akpakpa Avortrou Maternite | Cotonou, BJ

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Fèmi Appart&Hôtel

Fidjrossè Rue 2129 | Cotonou, BJ

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Charming 1-Bedroom Fidjrosse Akogbato

Sanyu | Cotonou, BJ

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Appart'Confort

Patte D'oie | Cotonou, BJ

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At a glance

Climate

Tropical

Languages

French and Fon and Yoruba

Local currency

XOF (XOF)

Local time

00:19 (GMT+1)

Ideal trip length

3–7 days

Cost level

2 of 5 · our research

Suggested area to stay

Haie Vive

Tap water

Bottled water recommended

Tipping

Appreciated for good service.

What this place is for

History

95 · Outstanding

Culture

90 · Outstanding

Food

90 · Outstanding

Family 50 · Moderate

Our own 0–100 ratings for this one destination. They describe a city; they are not a league table of cities.

Food to try

Pâte Akassa Moyo Alloco

When to visit Cotonou

How good each month is here, on this destination's own scale. It compares months within this city, never one city against another.

Best months: January Busiest: Nov-Feb

Jan

90

Dry, sunny, pleasant
Feb

85

Dry, warm, good
Mar

60

Start of rains
Apr

50

Heavy rains
May

45

Wettest month
Jun

40

Heavy rains
Jul

50

Rains continue
Aug

70

Short dry spell
Sept

55

Rains return
Oct

50

Rains subside
Nov

75

Dry season begins
Dec

80

Dry, pleasant

90

Jan Dry, sunny, pleasant

85

Feb Dry, warm, good

60

Mar Start of rains

50

Apr Heavy rains

45

May Wettest month

40

Jun Heavy rains

50

Jul Rains continue

70

Aug Short dry spell

55

Sept Rains return

50

Oct Rains subside

75

Nov Dry season begins

80

Dec Dry, pleasant

Things to do in Cotonou

7 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.

Best in the morning

3 places

Cotonou Cathedral

Centre Ville 1 hr

Admire the striking red and white striped architecture of this iconic religious site.

Indoors

Dantokpa Market

Dantokpa 3 hrs

Immerse yourself in West Africa's largest open-air market, a sensory overload.

Outdoors

Ganvie Lake Village

Lake Nokoué 4 hrs

Explore the unique stilt village, often called the 'Venice of Africa', by pirogue.

Outdoors Good for children

Best in the afternoon

3 places

Fondation Zinsou

Haie Vive 2 hrs

Discover contemporary African art in a vibrant cultural space.

Indoors Good for children

Artisanal Centre

Centre Ville 2 hrs

Browse local crafts, textiles, and souvenirs made by Beninese artisans.

Indoors Good for children

Fidjrosse Beach

Fidjrosse 3 hrs

Relax on the sandy shores, enjoy fresh seafood, and watch local life unfold.

Outdoors Good for children

Best in the evening

1 place

Street Food Exploration

Various 2 hrs

Savor local delicacies like grilled fish, alloco, and akassa from roadside vendors.

Outdoors Good for children

Cotonou itineraries

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First-timer highlights

3 Days in Cotonou — First-Timer Highlights

Discover the vibrant markets, unique culture, and stunning waterways of Benin's largest city.

This 3-day itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors eager to experience the essential sights and sounds of Cotonou. From bustling markets and contemporary art to the famous floating village of Ganvié and serene coastal beaches, it offers a comprehensive introduction to the city's rich heritage and lively atmosphere. Get ready for an immersive journey through West African charm.

3 Days 15 Stops

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